Presidential Search

Message from the Chair of the Presidential Search Committee

March 21, 2018

As we celebrate the beginning of spring, it is befitting that the College also celebrate a historic new beginning – the election of the 14th President of The College of New Rochelle!

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am honored to introduce Dr. William “Bill” Latimer as CNR’s newest president. Innovative, energetic, and resourceful, Dr. Latimer is committed to providing a relevant, accessible, high-quality education to our students in a collaborative and accountable environment. A champion of both the liberal arts and nursing/healthcare programs, Dr. Latimer possesses the vision, skills, character, drive and experience to build on CNR’s powerful mission and history and make CNR a leading institution of tomorrow.

This is a monumental step on the path toward a new CNR. Poised for future success, the College needs a collaborative leader who encourages the perspectives of all stakeholders – students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators, alumnae/i, donors, and trustees. It needs a scholarly leader who understands and respects multiple academic disciplines. The new CNR needs a gifted communicator who will be candid, transparent, and attuned to the information needs of the community. The new CNR needs an accountable executive who embraces the fiscal responsibility of operating a college. It needs an innovative and tolerant thought leader who seeks growth. The new CNR needs a leader who will promote our special mission to expand access to quality education. Most of all, the new CNR needs a leader with integrity and fortitude who personifies Serviam, the cornerstone of our Ursuline heritage.

Dr. Latimer is that leader.

With immense excitement and anticipation, the Board looks forward to joining you as we welcome Dr. Latimer to CNR.

This monumental step could not have been achieved, however, without other notable steps. The first was taken by Dr. Dorothy Escribano in October of 2016. It was more than a step – it was a leap. Dr. Escribano assumed the role of the Interim President at the height of uncertainty about CNR’s future. Moreover, she assumed the job while still fulfilling the demanding role of Provost. Without hesitation, she agreed to serve – not knowing the duration or complexities of her dual responsibilities. For 18 months, she has addressed difficult challenges with no easy answers by always asking, “What is best for the students? What is best for the College?” We are here today because of her unwavering dedication to our students and mission.

With deep gratitude, the Board asks that you join us in thanking Dr. Escribano for her steadfast stewardship of CNR.

The second notable step was both critical and historic. For the first time in its history, the College empowered a Search Committee to conduct a nationwide professional search for a president. It proved to be to be a major undertaking – a year-long process with nearly 100 national and international candidates. Newly-elected trustee Christine LaSala (SAS ’72) agreed to chair both the Finance Committee, which sat at the epicenter of our challenges, and the Search Committee. She has been an exceptional leader of both.

From beginning to end, the Search was well-organized, inclusive, transparent and exhaustive. From the selection of the search firm to the selection of three outstanding finalists, every College stakeholder voice was represented. The process was the single most unifying force of the community over the past 18 months and it is a model for future collaboration. Most of all, it facilitated the election of an eminently qualified new president.

Please join the Board in applauding the immeasurable service of Christine LaSala and the sixteen members of the Search Committee.

Lastly, on behalf of the Board, I thank you. The College has made great strides since the discovery of our financial challenges in the fall of 2016. We are here today because of your collective hard work, commitment, faith, sacrifices, support, and prayers. We continue to move toward a common goal – a “new CNR” with exciting new leadership and notable improvements, but with the same mission -- access to high-quality education for those who have been traditionally underserved. The path forward still has significant challenges, but we continue to advance – step-by-step, day-by-day, season-by-season – due to your continued support. Thank you for remaining One CNR.

Attached please find the formal press release announcing Dr. Latimer’s appointment as the 14th President of The College of New Rochelle.